#008 – Lars Sommerer – SwissPropTech: Swiss Real Estate, Startup Ecosystem, Investment Insights, Network Power
In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Lars Sommerer, Managing Director of SwissPropTech and Advisory Board Member at Swiss Circle. Lars shares his career journey from working at UBS in banking to becoming a key voice in the Swiss PropTech ecosystem. The conversation covers the evolution of digital innovation in real estate, the current trends shaping the Swiss residential market, and the unique funding dynamics of the local startup scene.Lars highlights three standout PropTech startups tackling real-world challenges and emphasises the importance of solving core industry problems through technology. He also shares practical insights on relocating to Switzerland, the country’s high quality of life, and its stable yet complex real estate landscape. The episode concludes with Lars’s book recommendations and lessons learned from a life bridging finance, innovation, and real estate.
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52:31
#007 – Sofia Iturbe – Libeen: Redefining Homeownership in Spain and Beyond
In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Sofia Iturbe, co-founder of Libeen, a PropTech startup based in Madrid, redefining home ownership through a Rent-to-Buy model. Sofia opens up about her multicultural background, transition from hospitality to real estate, and the drive to launch a company from scratch in one of Europe's most challenging housing markets. She explains how Libeen helps young people in Spain become homeowners, using technology to simplify the process and boost accessibility.The conversation also explores the company’s recent €25 million financing round, the excitement of building in Madrid, and the mindset shifts required for startup success. Sofia reflects on the importance of mentorship, intuition, and learning fast while scaling. Whether you're interested in PropTech, entrepreneurship, or housing innovation, this episode offers powerful insights from someone building the future of real estate.
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54:06
#006 – Louis Lallouette – Hospitality in Asia, Investment in Europe, and a Global Outlook on Real Estate
In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk sits down with Louis Lallouette, Senior Investment Analyst at Greystar, to explore his international journey through hospitality and real estate. From growing up across Paris, London, and Copenhagen to working in Asia’s hotel sector, Louis shares how global experiences have shaped his investment mindset. He offers insights into real estate finance, cross-border investment strategy, and the role of cultural intelligence in today’s property markets.They discuss the challenges foreign investors face in France and the UK, how institutional players like Greystar think about urban growth, and the impact of thoughtful urban planning in cities like Copenhagen and Hong Kong. The episode also dives into the value of organisations like ULI Europe in shaping young real estate leaders. Louis wraps up with personal reflections and book recommendations that continue to guide his career.
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47:34
#005 - Idriss Goossens - EightySeven: From Founder to Ecosystem Leader, Leading PropTech Innovation Across Europe
In this episode of Tell Me More, Ruslan Hajduk speaks with Idriss Goossens, founder of EightySeven (formerly PropTech Lab), about the evolution of real estate technology and innovation. Idriss shares his entrepreneurial journey, the rebranding of his platform, and how EightySeven is driving the growth of the PropTech ecosystem across Europe and beyond.They dive into the latest PropTech trends, innovations in real estate technology, and the digital transformation of major global cities like Paris, London, and Tokyo. The conversation also explores scaling PropTech startups, overcoming challenges in the real estate industry, and navigating the changing landscape of urban development and smart cities.Whether you're a PropTech founder, real estate investor, or industry leader, this episode offers key insights into building a scalable PropTech platform, embracing digitalization, and shaping the future of cities. Tune in for valuable advice on how collective intelligence and urban innovation are transforming the real estate sector.
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52:38
#004 – Dustin Ross – Sunflower Network: From NYC & LA to Ukraine, Empowering Communities and Restoring Hope
In this episode of Tell Me More, Dustin Ross, founder of Sunflower Network, shares his journey from New York City to creating a platform focused on rebuilding crisis-affected communities, particularly in Ukraine. He discusses transitioning from a real estate career in Los Angeles to leading recovery efforts, including constructing modular hospitals to restore Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure. The conversation touches on the challenges of post-crisis rebuilding, cultural insights into Lviv and Kyiv, and embracing uncertainty to create meaningful change. Dustin also shares inspiring book recommendations offering insights into resilience, growth, and humanity.🎧 Tune in to explore a story of action, innovation, and hope.
In this podcast, Ruslan Hajduk and his friends uncover the stories of the people who shape the real estate industry worldwide. Beyond buildings and blueprints, real estate is driven by the vision, perseverance, and life experiences of industry leaders. Join us as we explore their journeys—stories of grit, ambition, and impact that inspire the next generation of professionals. Each episode sheds light on the human side of real estate, showing that with determination, anything is possible.
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